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Safety talent runs deep in NFL draft

We might have to wait until late in the first round to hear the first safety called, but don't mistake the lack of a top-10 pick for a lack of talent at the position. The free safeties are particularly

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We might have to wait until late in the first round to hear the first safety called, but don't mistake the lack of a top-10 pick for a lack of talent at the position. The free safeties are particularly strong, led by Kenny Vaccaro. Teams should be able to find future starters well into the middle rounds.

Top five

Kenny Vaccaro, Texas

Ht.: 6-0. Wt.: 214. 40 time: 4.63.

Vaccaro should quickly become a starter, with the bonus that he can play the nickel cornerback role. He excelled at Texas in the pass-happy Big 12, showing good range, instincts and tackling ability.

Matt Elam, Florida

Ht.: 5-10. Wt.: 208. 40 time: 4.54.

Elam might be the most aggressive player in the draft — an impressive quality that also could get him into trouble in a league wary of head-hunting players. But Elam is fast, strong, a physical tackler and can play anywhere on the field as a strong safety, all ideal NFL traits.

Reid, a free safety, could be the best all-around athlete of the group. He has NFL size and speed and is equally effective against the pass (14pass breakups over his last two seasons) and the run.

Jonathan Cyprien,

Florida International

Ht.: 6-0. Wt.: 217. 40 time: 4.64.

Cyprien, a strong safety, has seen his draft stock rise since turning in a strong week of practices at the Senior Bowl in January. Cyprien was under the radar at FIU, but he had a productive college career and has the physical tools to play right away.

T.J. McDonald,

Southern California

Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 219. 40 time: 4.59.

McDonald has NFL pedigree as the son of ex-San Francisco 49ers safety Tim McDonald, a six-time Pro Bowl pick who played for 13 years and won a Super Bowl. McDonald shows up on film as a player always around the ball, with the versatility to play on the line of scrimmage or as a deep center fielder.

Teams with the biggest need

Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals need a strong safety to line up with Reggie Nelson. Cincinnati has a strong group of cornerbacks, so drafting a top strong safety would solidify the secondary.

Oakland Raiders: Oakland needs major help all over, but especially at safety, after releasing Michael Huff in March. The Raiders should be in position to grab a future starter on the second day of the draft.

Baltimore Ravens: Veteran standouts Ed Reed and Bernard Pollard are gone. The Ravens added Huff in free agency, but they need a young safety to join him.